By Frank Kamuntu
Traffic along the Kampala-Masaka highway has been diverted after a road section between Kyengera and Budo junction sank in on Sunday due to heavy downpours. This incident marks the second time in four months that the road has experienced sinking.
The police have reported a “severe traffic jam along the Busega-Kyengera section” as a result of the road damage. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to access the highway. Specifically, those traveling from Masaka to Kampala can take either the Kitemu or Budo-Nakawuka routes, while the Nsangi-Buloba-Mutyaba road is also recommended.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is closely monitoring the situation. SP Michael Kananura, the traffic and road safety public relations officer, has appealed to the public for patience and discipline while the teams from Traffic Police and UNRA assess the damage.
UNRA attributes the sinking to erosion, which caused significant damage to approximately 1.5 meters of the road pavement near the embankment. The escalating water levels within the Lubigi swamp area are reportedly responsible for this recurring issue.
